Ashley’s Customer Service Skills Propel Her Career

Guided by the recommendation of her vocational rehabilitation counselor, Ashley joined Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) supported employment service . This personalized, flexible job placement service includes exploring goals, preparing for interviews, career readiness training and more. Ashley secured a position as a cashier at Cash Wise Foods Grocery Store, where she manages the self-checkout area. “I ensure all the self-check-out machines are clean and working properly,” Ashley said.

With her new skills and independence, Ashely transitioned to GESMN’s long-term follow up service that helps people build skills for greater independence and provides on-going job support.

Ashley got connected with Julian, a career navigator who provided her with job coaching for her professional development. “If I went over on my [work] hours, Julian was there to help me,” Ashely explains. “The program helped me communicate better with customers and co-workers. It also helped improve my job skills”

“Ashley’s positive demeanor and outstanding customer service is amazing,” Julian said. “She warmly greets each customer with a smile and wishes them well, even while assisting others. She adeptly troubleshoots, and resolves register malfunctions on her own, without needing a manager’s assistance,” Julian adds. “Remarkably, she also dedicates her time as a camp counselor at the Art & Soul Theater Camp, where she shares her passion for theater with children ranging from kindergarten to 12^th grade. She also actively participants in theatrical performances herself.”

To learn more about GESMN’s employment support and other career services, visit www.gesmn.org/learn or text JOBS to 71492.